Today: FCC 2016 Inmate Calling Service Order Vacated, FCC Certification for True Wireless Charging, Illinois AG on Net Neutrality 

FCC 2016 Inmate Calling Service (ICS) Order Vacated

The US Court of Appeals for the DC Circuit vacated the FCC’s 2016 ICS Order “insofar as it purports to set rate caps on inmate calling service.”  The Court noted that the 2016 rate caps were premised on the same legal framework and mathematical methodology that the Court rejected when it overturned most of the FCC’s 2015 ICS rate cap Order.  The case was remanded to the FCC for further consideration of the remaining provisions in light of the Court’s prior decisions.  Separately, the Court dismissed as moot challenges to the FCC’s 2013 ICS Order adopting interstate ICS rate caps. 

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TMI Briefing Service subscribers see Briefings dated 11/3/17, 6/14/17 and 8/11/16.

FCC Certification for True Wireless Charging

Industry First - The FCC has issued a certification to Energous for their WattUp Mid Field Transmitter which sends focused radio frequency (RF) power to devices at a distance.  The transmitter underwent a rigorous, multi-month testing process to verify it met consumer safety and regulatory requirements.  It delivers power via RF to enabled devices at a distance up to three feet.  This technology can also charge both contact and non-contact based devices.  In addition, it charges devices automatically as needed until they are topped off.  Similar to WiFi, this system ensures interoperability between receivers and transmitters, regardless of manufacturer.

Illinois AG On Net Neutrality 

Attorney General Lisa Madigan announced that she, along with other state attorneys general, will appeal the FCC’s action to eliminate existing net neutrality rules that prohibit internet service providers (ISPs) from discriminating among consumers and content providers.  The FCC’s vote “undermines the public interest by putting our free and open internet at risk,” Madigan said.  “In taking this action, the Commission disregarded the overwhelming view of the public and ignored the legal precedent upholding the existing net neutrality rules.”

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The Regulatory Mix, TMI’s daily blog of telecom related regulatory activities, is a snapshot of PUC, FCC, legislative, and occasionally court issues that our regulatory monitoring team uncovers each day. Depending on their significance, some items may be the subject of a TMI Briefing.